Lesser Known Sources of Protein

What’s your “go to” source of protein? If you’re like most of us, you get it from a variety of animal and plant sources........How many do you know of???

We want to share some, perhaps, lesser known sources of protein so that you can retain and build muscle even when your favorite sources prove less effective, become too expensive or, worse, become unavailable.
Have you ever wondered what you’d do without your favorite protein sources?
You may be surprised at how many good protein sources are overlooked. Combining your current protein source with some of these lesser-known alternatives, you can end up with complete proteins with higher biological values and a more balanced diet.*Lesser Known Animal Proteins*

It’s no secret that our bodies absorb animal proteins better than other protein sources. This is because animal proteins contain all of the amino acids required for muscle growth. However, not all animal proteins are equal.For instance, you have probably heard the saying “the fewer legs, the better.” Chicken, turkey and fish are leaner sources of protein than beef and other 4-legged animals. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health calls chicken one of the very best animal sources of protein available, containing 14 grams of protein per 2-oz. serving. Chicken and turkey give you the option of removing the skin and getting rid of excess amounts of fat, while not decreasing the amounts of the essential macronutrient.
Other great animal proteins you may not have considered yet are:

Mackerel

Herring

Fresh Tuna

Wild Trout

Malpeque Oysters

Insects

*Insects*

Insects are considered by many experts a more sustainable source of edible protein than animal proteins. Experts agree that the demand for meat will increase by as much as 80% in the next 40 years.

Did you know that for every 100 grams of dried caterpillars, there are about 53 grams of protein, 15 percent of fat and 17 percent of carbs?
I guess in some ways, “the more legs, the better!”

Some protein-rich bugs to know about include:

Sapelli Caterpillar

Wax Moth Larvae

Mealworms

Insects aren’t appealing, but they sure are an excellent source of protein.*Lesser Known Plant Proteins*

Vegetarians have successfully relied on plant proteins for ages. While it may not taste quite as good as meat, you can find fair amounts of protein in common beans, nuts, grains and seeds.
One grain in specific that deserves praise is Quinoa. It’s the only seed that I’m aware of that, unlike beans, offers complete protein. Yes, it contains all 9 amino acids. Best of all, it’s non-gluten, non-GMO, easy to digest and great-tasting. It’s a solid source for anyone.
Other Good Sources:

Blue-Green Algae

Spirulina (expensive)

Chlorella

Kidney Beans

Buckwheat

Hemp Seeds

Lentils

Amaranth

It’s important to include a variety of plant protein sources in your diet so that your body can get all of the amino acids it needs. For instance, consider combining beans with rice and eggs with veggies. Our Latin American and Asian friends have been doing this for “longtime.”
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather to get the creative juices flowing. You can find all kinds of alternate sources for protein out there. What are your favorite sources of protein?????